I recently signed up for defensive driving classes with A-1 DUI & Defensive Driving.
I paid the $75.00 fee with my credit card. I was also required to sign a contract and a form called “Release of Information Form for Credit or Debit card Purposes.”
In the beginning I did not think too much about this procedure until later and the experience I had with their instructor. The instructor Janet Davis stated she was a 22 year veteran and former Chief of Detectives for DeKalb County.
The first night of class started at 6:10 PM as we waited for a student running late. Seats were assigned by name tags. At the start of the class it appeared the instructor was having some trouble with the equipment. I offered to help. I was ordered to take my seat very abruptly and very rudely.
This is when I begin to realize that I am dealing with a former police officer that is used to intimidating and ordering people around. I immediately took my seat and remained quiet throughout the class.
The atmosphere of the class remained somewhat cordial throughout the night. The following night was a completely different set of circumstances.
On the second night of class I arrived at 5:50PM that evening. Upon my arrival I asked the instructor if she wouldn’t mind if I went next door and got something to eat as I had a busy schedule that day and had not been able to eat anything. I was refused and ordered to my seat and immediately handed a test.
Her egregious behavior escalated. The name cards and the seating assignment had been re-arranged.
The instructor’s opening statement was that she thought it was rude for certain individuals to be talking while others were trying to learn without mentioning anyone specific.
After the instructor made this statement you could hear a pin drop in the room. From this point no looked upon or spoke to another.
During the class the instructor was apparently having “heat flashes” [menopause] as she sipped from a large refreshment eating candy. There was only other student that had refreshment.
Shortly after she continues asking the class repeatedly “Is anyone hot?” As she attempted reach up to turn on the ceiling fan exposing the outline of a gun holster under her blouse.
As the class progressed right at 8 o’clock, one hour before the end of class the instructor seemed to all of a sudden direct her attention toward me. She asked me if I had a question for the class.
I responded that I did not have a question at this time. I was told that if I did not have a question that I would have to come back to her Saturday class and completely take the class over and that I would have to leave. She asked me to step into the lobby which I did at which point she stated that if I did not leave she would call the police. I agreed with her and told her that I think calling the police would be a good idea so that we could have a report of what was going on. I turned around and returned to my seat.
She made a second call to her supervisor.
About 8:20 PM her supervisor arrived and motioned for me to come out. I handed him an outline of notes I had been taking and writing them down on an evaluation form provided by the school.
After a 10 minute conversation I was told that I would have to take the class over (6 hours) at no charge. I respectfully declined.
I am African-American male over fifty years. The other students including the instructor were white ages 18-25 with the exception of one African-American female.
There were several disparaging comments directed to me by the instructor. I have also filed a complaint
with the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
This organization has schools all over Atlanta. There are others to choose from that do not require you to sign a form which is basically is an authorization to look into your background.
I am not spending time writing this complaint for revenge or retaliation, but I would not want anyone to experience what I went through. Many people are required by the court to attend these schools; nevertheless you have a right to decide which one to go to. I would not recommend this school to anyone.